If you are an Indonesian student looking to study a master’s or doctoral degree abroad, you need to know about the LPDP (Educational Fund Management Institution) scholarship by the Ministry of Finance.
One of the most well-known and anticipated scholarships programs, it will support you for postgraduate courses, and covers education fees, monthly grants for living expenses such as food, transportation, insurance and more.
When is the 2026 LPDP scholarship registration?
The LPDP scholarship opens applications almost every year. For 2026, the batch 1 registration period is from 22 January to 23 February.
Wondering what the LPDP scholarship application process is for 2026? Here is key information about the scholarship programs on offer and who can apply for them.
Available programs for 2026 LPDP scholarships
In previous scholarship cycles, the Ministry of Finance consistently offered three main LPDP scholarship programs. However, in 2026, there is a notable shift. The program has transformed from being education-centric to more impact-driven, with a stronger emphasis on national priority sectors and measurable contributions to Indonesia’s development goals.
The approach is now based on study interests aligned with strategic needs and the potential contribution to national industry strategies.
For better understanding, deep dive into the LPDP scholarship programs for 2026 listed below.
1. STEM for strategic industries
This program supports Master’s (S2) and Doctoral (S3) studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields that directly contribute to Indonesia’s strategic industries.
Priority sectors include:
Health
Food security
Defence
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence
Energy and sustainability
Industrial downstreaming
Advanced materials and manufacturing
Maritime
2. SHARE: Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts, Religion, and Economics
To ensure balanced human capital development, LPDP 2026 also offers the SHARE program. This pathway supports non-STEM disciplines that play a critical role in shaping social cohesion, governance, culture, and economic policy.
Fields covered under SHARE include:
Social sciences
Humanities and cultural studies
Arts
Religious studies
Economics
3. Special Cooperation Programs
This program is designed for specific cooperation schemes between LPDP and partner institutions, including ministries, government agencies, state-owned enterprises, or international organisations.
It targets candidates whose fields of study are aligned with pre-defined national development priorities and institutional needs.
4. Non-Degree Programs
This program is for fellowship for specialist doctors, targets medical professionals who wish to pursue advanced clinical training or sub-specialisation, either domestically or overseas.
5. Partnership and Bundling Programs
In addition to the main programs, LPDP continues to offer bundling and partnership schemes in collaboration with selected universities and institutions. These programs may involve joint funding arrangements or special admission pathways, depending on the partner institution.
2026 LPDP scholarship registration requirements
While the requirements of each LPDP scholarship program may vary, here are the general conditions that you’ll need to meet:
1. Be an Indonesian citizen
2. Have completed studies in a diploma (D4) or undergraduate (S1) program to register for a master's scholarship, or a master’s (S2) to register for a doctoral scholarship
3. Attach a letter of recommendation issued no later than one year in the same month as the scholarship application time.
4. Choose only universities and study programs under the LPDP scholarship
5. Fulfill the terms of service set by LPDP, such as the obligation to return and serve in Indonesia after completing your studies in accordance with the LPDP’s conditions; as well as returning to Indonesia and contributing to the country.
6. Meet the Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements
7. Fulfill the English proficiency test score, such as the IELTS test, no more than two years prior to the scholarship application year
Complete IELTS preparation materials to qualify for LPDP scholarship 2026
If you choose an English-speaking country as your study destination under the 2026 LPDP scholarship, it will be important to score a sufficient grade in your IELTS test, ranging from 6.5 (master’s program) up to 7.0 (doctorate program).
One of the most widely recognized English proficiency tests in the world, IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations globally, including universities, employers and migration authorities.
In Indonesia, the IELTS test is available at multiple locations throughout the country with IDP, so you can easily find a test location near you. You’ll also be able to choose from a range of test date options to fit your schedule.
If you don’t speak or use English often, here are some ways to brush up on the language and score a qualifying grade on your IELTS test for your LPDP scholarship application:
Study the thesaurus to enrich your vocabulary
Take a writing class to improve your writing skills
Find a friend to practise speaking English with, to boost your confidence for when you need to speak directly to the examiner
Speak to previous IELTS test takers to exchange tips and experiences
Seek out insights from IELTS experts and leading universities through these quick videos by IDP
To ensure you obtain the best IELTS results, ensure you’re ready for the test by making use of the IELTS preparation materials available at IDP. You’ll find plenty of free resources in the form of articles, videos, and sample questions. Check out this guide that will lead you to the help you need.
When you're ready, register for your IELTS test today with IDP so you can prepare to apply for LPDP scholarship in 2026!